Odds are, a big part of your horticultural business involves driving. Whether it’s delivering floral goods, picking up the supplies you need, or getting equipment to a jobsite, small trucks, vans, and trailers help get the job done. But have you stopped to think about how much they weigh? You may want to.

If a vehicle is used for business and is driven on a public roadway, it falls under the DOT’s jurisdiction. Glazier found the topic of DOT weight regulations tends to get confusing for three reasons:

The difference between intrastate (never crossing state lines) and interstate: Depending on your use and what state you’re driving in, the weight threshold that applies can be different.

The way weights are measured: The weight being regulated isn’t the actual weight of a vehicle or trailer—it also includes the weight it can carry. These two weights add up to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and is what the regulations are based on. This information is usually posted on the inside of the driver’s door and on trailers.

The way regulations are enforced: It doesn’t matter whether the weight rating is for a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles, DOT regulations go into force once the weight exceeds the threshold.

Glazier says it becomes more confusing because drivers of these lower-weight vehicles aren’t required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A business owner might incorrectly assume that if their drivers don’t need a CDL, the business isn’t subject to any DOT regulations. In fact, the business may be required to: